Gunners hit by Holding blow

Arsenal coach Unai Emery has been handed a blow after losing centre-back Rob Holding for at least six months due to a knee injury.

The 23-year-old will now miss the rest of the campaign after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Holding started the game against Manchester United on Wednesday but he went down injured and left the field on a stretcher.

Scans have now shown the extent of the damage and he could even miss the start of next season, with experts claiming he will miss six to nine months.

He will undergo surgery in the next few days and the defender has been quick to thank the fans for their support.

"Just want to say a big thank you to all the fans, players and staff members for the support during the past couple of days," he tweeted. "Gutted to get injured during a strong period for the team!"

Emery will now need to make more changes at the back, just weeks after reintroducing Sokratis into the team after injury.

Holding replaced Sokratis earlier this season and he had started to become a key member of Emery's side during his 10 appearances.

Stephan Lichtsteiner came on for Holding on Wednesday and the 34-year-old is in line to make just his second league start of the season when Arsenal welcome Huddersfield Town to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.